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September 4, 2018 - Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile virus detected in San Gabriel Valley

Vector control urges residents to use repellent and eliminate stagnant water weekly

San Gabriel Valley, Calif. – The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District (SGVMVCD) confirmed mosquitoes collected in the past week tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The positive mosquito sample was captured in a trap in the city of Arcadia.

SGVMVCD routinely monitors populations of adult mosquitoes using traps and tests groups of adult female mosquitoes for the presence of WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases. In addition, testing wild birds, such as crows, can provide insight into the spread of WNV.  Year-to-date, SGMVCD has confirmed West Nile virus in one dead bird and one mosquito sample in its jurisdiction.

“Autumn may be around the corner, but don’t let that fool you into thinking mosquitoes are gone,” said Levy Sun, SGVMVCD’s public information officer. “Mosquitoes are opportunistic and, as long as the weather is warm, they will bite anyone who is not wearing repellent.”

May contain: human and person

SGVMVCD staff will continue to monitor mosquito sources in the area and expand outreach activities to alert residents to the detection of the virus. Vector control districts in Los Angeles County are working with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to promote the 2018 Champion for WNV Prevention Challenge, which encourages cities and communities to take specific measures to help reduce the risk of mosquito-transmitted disease.

“The debilitating effects of West Nile virus can take months to overcome for some patients,” said Sun. “One bite from a mosquito infected with West Nile virus is all it takes to get sick.”

San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District urges everyone to take the following recommendations to stay healthy and bite-free:

  • Tip and toss stagnant water around the home weekly
  • Make sure all window and doors screens are in good repair on your property
  • Wear insect repellent containing CDC-recommended ingredients: Picaridin, DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535
  • If mosquito problems persist after eliminating stagnant water, contact San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District at www.SGVMosquito.org or 626-814-9466.